How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks secure doors when you close them they can be very useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transport as well as storage space mobile it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorised entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires keys to open the door which is ideal for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot indications of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and take off with anything they can grab that includes the tools needed to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Some are suited for specific purposes like multidrop drivers or those that carry a large volume of high-value items.
If you're looking for more protection than a locks that slam can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. You can also buy hooklocks, which function in the same manner but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and safe think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then converting those signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another thing to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and traveling however, it has its own dangers. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm here system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter potential thieves and even assist in catching them before they strike.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to break than regular locks. You can also get locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being moved.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you live and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is a simple method to deter thieves, because they'll think twice before trying to break in.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of life in a van. It covers the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan, if your van is totalled.